The custom then was to exclude lepers from normal society. Here “leprosy” may refer to a less severe form of skin disease.

A young man called Francis met a leper on the road as he journeyed towards Assisi. The story goes that though the leper caused him no small disgust and horror, he got off his horse and prepared to kiss him. But when the leper put out his hand as though to receive something, he received money along with a kiss.

The demands made on Jesus were great, the expectations many. Still he was able to keep his focus, to maintain his relationship with God. He would withdraw to deserted places and pray.